What is the definition of an experiment? (factors of an experiment)
- hypothesis is scientifically tested.
- the IV is manipulated by the researcher.
- the DV is measured.
- any extraneous variables are controlled.
different types of experiments?
- Lab
- Field
- Quasi
- observational [non-experimental]
Lab experiment Definition.
an experiment that is conducted in a controlled environment.
Lab experiment advantages.
- greater control over variables
- standardisation
- replicability = high reliability
- establish cause and effect
Lab experiment disadvantages.
- low ecological validity.
(because they are not in a real-life setting, in an artificial study) - demand characteristics
- experimenter effect
- limited applicability
- expensive, time consuming.
Field experiment definition.
A scientific study that is made outside of a controlled environment, in a real-world setting.
Field experiment advantages.
- high ecological validity.
- establish causal relationships.
- reduced demand characteristic
- no experimenter effect.
Field experiment disadvantages.
- offer less control
- low reliability/replicability
- less standardisation.
quasi- experiment definition.
research that resembles experimental research but is not. Although, the IV is being manipulated, participants or not assigned to conditions or orders (Cook & Campbell, 1979).
quasi-experiment advantages.
- can provide a high level of evidence without randomisation.
- more generalisable
- have more external validity.
quasi-experiment disadvantages.
- low internal validity.
- lack of causal effect
- no randomisation
- less reliable.
different types of observations.
- participant/non-participant
- controlled/naturalistic
- structured/un-structured
- covert/overt.
participant observation definition.
A research method where the researcher takes on the role of a participant whilst observing other participants’ behaviour around them.
advantages of participant observations.
- in depth understanding.
- adds validity.
disadvantages of participant observations.
- may lack objectivity
- add bias ~ reducing validity.
- difficult to record/find time.
- difficult to replicate?
non-participant observation definition.
A research method where the researcher watches ad records a participants’ behaviour without interfering in any way.
non-participant observation advantages.
- researcher can be less biased because they are an outsider.
- more ethical because pps are aware they are being observed.
non-participant observation disadvantages.
- can lead to hawthorne effect.
- harder to gain accurate results if watching from a distance.
- time consuming/costly.
overt observation definition.
with participants who are aware they are being observed.
overt observation advantages.
- higher level of reliability.
- can easily collect evidence.
- characteristics of researcher don’t have to fit in with group
- can ask questions.
overt observation disadvantages.
- Hawthorne effect.
- not always representative.
- time consuming
- difficult to repeat.
covert observation definition.
Participants do not know they are being observed.
covert observation advantages.
